- To draw upon an interdisciplinary knowledge base in order to understand
the processes and dynamics of adolescent development within the context
of the life span.

- To examine the multiple cultural and social forces which affect adolescence.

- To develop an appreciation for the interrelatedness of theory, research,
and professional work with adolescents.

- To identify and examine milestones and issues related to ones own
adolescence.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE

- Arrive on time. If you are late, take a seat near
the door. If there are no seats near the door, you may stand or sit on
the floor. DO NOT walk in front
of classmates or the instructor once the class session has begun.

- Remain present for the full class period. (Leaving
class early will result in a recorded absence.) Notify the instructor
(in advance) if you have to leave
class early.

- Remove all hats and caps upon entering the classroom.

- Turn pagers/cell phones off upon entering the classroom.

- No food is to be eaten during class sessions.

- Do not blow bubbles with bubblegum during class.

- Show respect for others by your speech, behavior,
and body language.

WRITING SKILLS

It is assumed that all students in this course can communicate effectively
using standard written English. Assignments, in part, are designed to sharpen
academic writing skills as well as to foster critical thinking/reflection
related to the spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization,
and organization of ideas. Writing mechanics are important! The Writing
Lab in the Young Library has been established to help students with writing
skills. Use it if you need help!

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

The course format will be lecture-discussion. Class exercises
and discussions will be important components of the learning process.
Reasonable accommodations: If you have a special need that may
require an accommodation or assistance, please inform the instructor of
that fact as soon as possible and no later than the end of the second class
meeting.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Class attendance and participation: Attendance is an
essential ingredient of class participation. Each student is expected
to attend all class sessions and to participate
in class exercises and discussions by raising questions and issues, responding
to questions, and engaging other students
in discussion.

Students are entitled to an excused absence for the
purpose of observing major religious holidays. However, the
instructor must be notified in writing by the second
week of class.

Inclement weather policy: If the Fayette
County Public Schools are closed due to ice or snow, this class will not
meet.
If an exam or paper was due on a snow day, the exam
will be given (or the paper collected) on the next class day.

Note: This is not university policy.
This policy applies to this class only!

2. Reading (as assigned throughout the semester).
It is essential to complete the assigned reading prior to each class
session. Class lectures,
exercises, and discussions will assume that the student has control of
the reading material.

3. Exams: There will be three exams  covering the
reading assignments, lectures, and class exercises. Exams will include
objective and essay type questions.
Exams must be written in blue or black ink in blue examination books.
Make-up
exams will only be given in the case
of documented excused absences. Make-up exams may differ in format
from exams
given during regularly scheduled exam
times.

4. Developmental Autobiography: Each student will write
a 5-7 page paper identifying and describing the developmental
issues and milestones of their adolescence
within a life span perspective. If a student objects to the personal nature
of this
assignment, he/she may contract with the instructor
for an alternative one.

5. Book Review and Class Presentation: Each student
will select a book (to be approved in advance by the instructor)
related to the development of adolescents
and will write a review of the selected book. The book review will
be presented
orally to a class discussion group.
(Details of the assignment will be given in class).

** ALL ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE THOROUGHLY EXPLAINED DURING CLASS SESSIONS.
IF YOU MISS THE EXPLANATION
FOR AN ASSIGNMENT DUE TO ABSENCE, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GET THE INFORMATION
FROM A CLASSMATE **

** ALL ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE TYPED OR WORD-PROCESSED AND PREPARED
ACCORDING TO APA GUIDELINES. HANDWRITTEN/HAND PRINTED PAPERS WILL
NOT BE READ BY THE INSTRUCTOR.

** Grades on late papers will be reduced (except in cases of excused
documented absences) by 5% for each day late. Papers must be
turned in within the first five minutes of the class session in order to
be considered on time.

GRADING

The final grade for the course will reflect class participation (class
exercises and attendance are a component of participation) as well as the
scores earned on papers and exams.

In order to earn a grade of C or better, all papers and exams must
be completed. Upon completion of all assignments, grades will
be determined in the following manner:

450-500 = A
400-499 = B
350-399 = C
300-349 = D
0-299 = E

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

All members of the academic community are expected to produce their
own scholastic work. When using outside sources, students are to
give credit for ideas and information taken from others. The minimum
penalty for cheating and plagiarism is an E in the course.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

DATETOPIC ASSIGNMENT

Aug. 24
Orientation to Course
Syllabus

Aug. 29
Adolescence in Social Context
Chapter 1

Sept.5,12
Theoretical Foundations of Development
Chapter 2
The Developmental Autobiography